Chapter 12, Problem 19A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The difference between ionic and covalent bonding in molecules is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Whenever two or more atoms combine to form molecule, these atoms are joined together using a bond called chemical bond.

Chemical bond is of three types:

• Ionic bond
• Covalent bond

Explanation of Solution

Covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons between the atoms forming the bonds.

The atoms in covalent bond complete their octet (doublet in case of hydrogen) by sharing the electrons with each other. For example:

In $C{H}_4$

Carbon has four valence electrons. It requires 4 electrons to complete its octet. So it shares one electron with each hydrogen atom and thus it gets configuration as neon.

Whereas in ionic compound complete electron is transferred from one atom to another.

Ionic bond is formed by atoms which have maximum tendency to loss and gain electrons and after losing their electrons if octet is completed.

Those atoms form covalent bond which can complete their octet after sharing of electrons.

For example: $NaCl$ is an ionic compound but $HCl$ is a covalent compound.

Ionic bonds result in formation of ions and covalent compound has either polar or non-polar bonds.

Conclusion

Thus, ionic bond and covalent bond differ in the pattern of electron distribution in molecules.